Challenges of Adopting Energy Efficient Stoves in the Sudano Sahelian Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The study aimed at investigating the cultural and socio-demographic factors that affect household's probability to adopt energy efficient stoves (EES) in the Sudano-Sahelian region of Cameroon. It examined among other aspects, cooking patterns, stoves and fuel types. Major stove types used are the traditional three stone fire-place, improved mud stove, gas cookers and the metallic stoves. Through questionnaires, interviews with experts and a participant observation, the derived data was analysed using SPSS and in-depth analysis. This study Analyses the data related to the Sudano-Sahelian “agro-ecological” zone, which is one of the most affected by land degradation and desertification. While results show that there is potential for households in this region to adopt energy efficient stoves, the adoption rate is still low. Household size, cooking patterns, age and “physico-technical” characteristics of EES do not positively influence the adoption of EES. The results also indicate that there is a high degree of awareness on environmental changes, and the need to protect the environment. Thus, the study recommends the introduction to culturally acceptable stoves. These culturally friendly stoves will have a greater likelihood of being accepted and used by households, in the long run, thus improving the level of deforestation, soil fertility and mitigate climate change tendency.